ELECTRICITY SUPPLIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21325, 28 October 1932, Page 15

ELECTRICITY SUPPLIES

POWER BOARD CONTROL CASE FOR LOCAL BODIES [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Thursday The suggestion that all electric-power supplies of cities and borooghs should be brought under the control of power boards was vigorously contested by a deputation which waited on the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates to-day. Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, Mayor of Wellington, who was the principal speaker, said that the representations recently made by thr Power Boards Association that local body electrical services should be placed under boards, amounted to a plea that the boards were in financial difficulties and that the businesses of successful local bodies should be absorbed, with their goodwill and assets, to make good the losses' of the power boards. Mr., Coates said there were two sides to every question. The Government had to consider the effects as far as the country as a whole was concerned. It would not ride rough-shod over the rights of any local body and the matter would be regarded from the point of equity. He thought that there was no doubt that there was scope for development toward larger power supply areas. The Government would not . take any action without fullest consultation with all concerned. He would investigate the position and make a recommendation to .the Cabinet.